Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-10-27
So *
To.DAY,s TELEGRAPHIc NEWS.
The Laying of the Corner Stone of
the Lee Monument.


RICHMOND, Va, Oct 27.-The day open
ed gloomy and wet with no change in the
condition of the weather from that which
has prevailed for three days past. The
heavy clouds which have overhung the
city sinceSunday and night have given an g.
most iDcessant down pour of rain, remained
unbroken and tire atening, and Rchmond's
big day was ushered in with misty rains
which fell steadily with no indication of
cessation. Despite all this however, the peo-
pie of the city and the many thousands OF
visitors were early on the streets, and by
none o'clock the moving multitude was SO
great that it was plainly evident that Rich
moud's population for the day was as
large and probably larger than on any
previous occasion. At an early hour the
sound of martial music was heard IN
every direction and military, mounted
and aioot could be seen moving to their
various positions preparatory to the forma-
ton of the procession. Mounted msrshals
and couriers dashed hither and tbither dl
rccting the movements of the troops and ar
ranging the line of march. Before ten
O'Clock the rain had temporarily ceased, but
the clouds remained unbroken and threat.
eniug. The people, however, seemed not
to notice this, but had apparently made up
their minds to carry out the programme OF
the day in all details, rain or shine. The
visiting military consists of two corps of CO
diets, one from the Virginia Military Insti-
tute and the other from the Blacksburg Ag-
ricuItural and Mechanical College; two
regiments OF Virginia infantry three COM
pauies of cavalry, four companies of artille-
rv; also two companies of infantry from
North Carolina and one from Maryland.
Besides these there are several camps of
Confederate veterans from different parts OF
the State, and six hundred veterans of the
MARYLAND line. The latter arrived here
this morning and their appearance on the
streets with the Marine bard, of Washing
ton, at the head of the line created consid
cradle interest and they were everywhere
greeted with enthusiasm. Four professors
aud fifty.fve students arrived this morning
from the Washington and Lee University
General R. E Lee Was, at the time OF
his death, President of the institution,
and was succeeded by his sou Gen. G. w.
Custis Leo who is now president. Owing
to the recent Illness of the latter, he was
unable to participate in 10 days ceremonies
but his brothers, Gen. w. H. F. (popularIy
known as "Rooney'') Lse and Captain Rob
ert E. Lee are here. The only other i'm
mediate members OF the family are two
| daughters who ale at present 10 Europe.
| At few minutes before II o'clock every
thing being inreadiness. the professor moved
| At the head of the line after detachments OF
mounted police, came the chief marshal Of
the day, Gen. Wade Hampton, riding side
by side with Gov. Fitzbugh Lee, both su.
perbly mounted. Then followed the Gov
ornorsstaf in brilliant uniforms and the as
sistant marshals, next in successive order
came the Virginia Confederate Veteran
camps; the Veterans Of the Maryland line !;
the Volunteer Infantry of Virginia, and the
North Carolina Artillery, aud then all the
various civic organizations, embracing the
Graud Lodge Virginia Masous; two Gem.
manderes of Knights Templar; Blue Lodge
Masons; Druids; Els; Junior order of
American Mechanics; Dad Fellows, aid
other aocieties in rega!ia. The whole made
euch q dsDav ga has navar hefora hean
seen in Richmond. Denss crowds packed
The sidewalks along the whole route of
march, and the enthusiasm of the populaoe
was given vent to 10 almost incessant cheers
10 be but increased rs some favorite or
famed organization passed by.
I'm dol H.. Ra.,xIifs